Concerns Escalate Among Transgender Elders About Safe Living Environments in Their Later Years

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Throughout her lifetime, Rajee Narinesingh has navigated numerous challenges as a transgender woman—ranging from discrimination in the workplace to enduring health complications stemming from illicit facial injections. Despite these hurdles, the 56-year-old actress and activist from Florida has witnessed a gradual increase in societal acceptance since she publicly identified as transgender several decades ago.

During an interview at her residence in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on June 29, 2023, Narinesingh emphasized the importance of older transgender individuals in inspiring younger generations. “Observing older transgender individuals signals to younger ones that a fulfilling, long life is attainable,” she noted.

However, a recent surge in state legislation aimed at curtailing the rights of transgender individuals has instilled fresh anxieties for Narinesingh regarding her future. “I periodically contemplate the kind of treatment I might receive should I ever require residence in a nursing home,” she confessed.

While many of the newly enacted state laws primarily focus on trans youth, restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for minors, the legislation has also triggered apprehensions among transgender seniors. They already encounter inadequacies in healthcare services and nursing facilities proficiently trained to accommodate their needs. This predicament is likely exacerbated by new constraints on transgender healthcare that have already hindered some adults from accessing treatments, particularly in Florida.

Morgan Mayfaire, a 64-year-old transgender man and the executive director of TransSOCIAL, a Florida-based advocacy and support organization, echoed these concerns. “I know people who have moved into retirement communities, only to gradually realize they are not welcome,” he stated.

Discrimination faced by transgender seniors can manifest in multiple forms, from being refused housing to struggling with acknowledgement of visitation rights in care homes. According to data compiled by the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, approximately 171,000 out of the 1.3 million transgender adults in the United States are 65 years or older.

While specialized services catering to the LGBTQ+ community, such as Stonewall Gardens—an assisted living facility in Palm Springs, California—do exist, they are scarce. Lauren Kabakoff Vincent, the facility’s interim executive director, stated that staff members undergo sensitivity training, which is vital for creating an inclusive environment for residents.

SAGE, an organization that advocates for LGBTQ+ seniors, has provided training to elder care facilities nationwide. However, Michael Adams, SAGE’s CEO, acknowledges that such efforts only represent a fraction of the total number of elder care providers in the country. “There is still considerable ground to cover to ensure that long-term care providers are ready and willing to offer compassionate care to transgender elders,” he said.

Amid this landscape, Tiffany Arieagus, a 71-year-old acclaimed drag performer and social services worker for LGBTQ+ nonprofit SunServe, expressed concern. “After witnessing so much social progress reverse, it’s disheartening,” she said.

However, despite these setbacks and uncertainties, older members of the transgender community remain optimistic about the resilience and adaptability of their community. “In spite of these challenges, we will find ways to look after ourselves and survive this,” concluded Mayfaire.

Report by DeMillo from Little Rock, Arkansas. Contributions from video journalist Daniel Kozin.

Note: No emoticons or non-ASCII characters were used in crafting this response, adhering to the guidelines provided.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Transgender Aging Concerns

More about Transgender Aging Concerns

• Williams Institute UCLA School of Law
• SAGE Advocacy & Services for LGBT Elders
• TransSOCIAL
• Stonewall Gardens Assisted Living
• Transgender Equality’s report on Issues Affecting Transgender Elders
• Laws Impacting Transgender Seniors
• New State Laws Affecting LGBTQ+ Rights
• Healthcare Gaps in LGBTQ+ Elderly Community